In Pictures: Thousands take part in Edinburgh Marathon

MORE than 30,000 runners from around the world descended on the Capital as the Edinburgh Marathon Festival got into full swing.
Competitors make their way along Portobello promenade. Picture: Ian GeorgesonCompetitors make their way along Portobello promenade. Picture: Ian Georgeson
Competitors make their way along Portobello promenade. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Families, friends and athletes pounded through the city’s streets in six challenging events – a marathon relay, a half-marathon, a full marathon, a 5K run, a 10K run and junior events in Holyrood Park.

While most people only took part in one event, Gavin Thomson from Darvel steeled himself for four runs in the basking sunshine, including the full marathon, to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease in memory of his aunt.

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He said: “That’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life, my body is absolute agony. Half way through the full marathon was the hardest part.”

Simon Shakespeare takes on the Edinburgh Marathon. Picture: Ian GeorgesonSimon Shakespeare takes on the Edinburgh Marathon. Picture: Ian Georgeson
Simon Shakespeare takes on the Edinburgh Marathon. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Meanwhile, nerves were running high for Daniel Jones from Hertford, who got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend Rebecca Harrison at the marathon finish line.

Susan Ross, a mum-of-two, from Colinton, enjoyed to watching her son Finlay, ten, come first in the junior 2K race on Saturday, while her other son, Fergus, seven, came third in the 1.5K race.

She said: “The boys were absolutely delighted.”

More than 1500 runners representing Macmillan Cancer Support took part in the festival and together with hundreds of other charities are hoping to raise more than £4.5 million.

Neil Kilgour, festival director, said: “2016 has been another incredible year with record-breaking performances, tens of thousands of participants and millions raised for good causes.”